The submandibular gland is primarily innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system, with the nerve supply being primarily through the lingual nerve. Here, we'll provide a detailed explanation of how the nerve supply to the submandibular gland is structured:
- The facial nerve (CN VII) plays a critical role in supplying the parasympathetic fibers, but these fibers first join with a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
- The fibers originate from the superior salivatory nucleus in the brainstem and travel via the facial nerve, reaching the chorda tympani.
- The chorda tympani carries these parasympathetic fibers and joins the lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3).
- Within the submandibular ganglion, located near the submandibular gland, these fibers synapse and then provide the secretomotor fibers to the submandibular gland, promoting saliva secretion.
Therefore, the correct answer for the nerve supply of the submandibular gland is the lingual nerve.